"Anyone who knows Senator Reid knows he never backs down when he's fighting for what's right and that he always stands up to John McCain when he is wrong," Jim Manley, Reid's press secretary, told CNN. "Shrill and sarcastic political attacks may fire up the Republican base, but they don't change the fact that a McCain-Palin administration would mean four more years of failed bush-Cheney policies."

The reaction came after Palin specifically called out Reid during her address to the Republican National Convention, saying the Nevada Democrat "can't stand up to John McCain."

"Harry Reid, the Majority Leader of the current do-nothing Senate, not long ago summed up his feelings about our nominee. He said, quote, 'I can't stand John McCain,'" Palin said to roaring applause from the crowd. "Clearly what the Majority Leader was driving at is that he can't stand up to John McCain."

soundoff(674 Responses)

Reba

I wonder what Pallin is going to say when they finally find out she abused her power during her term as govenor seems like the Washington Post recieved some e-mails she sent out. Is Mc Cain crazy to think that she was vetted correctly! Boy he must be having a senior moment. Pallin should of given up at the beginning of all of the negative sarcastic, comments at this convention. The feedback and comments out in the everyday world is that everyone said because she is under investigation she shouldn't of been picked as VP. My question is why is she now asking her attorneys to see if they can challenge the jurisdiction of this investigation of her abuse of power. It seems like she is worried about the truth coming out. She claims to be a soccer mom but was very busy and not paying attention to what was going on with her pregant daughters conduct. Sure we all have skeletons in the closet but what a poor choice to put her own daughter in the public eye thats not kosher.She is not the kind of mom I would want to put a young person under the close eye of the public. Pallin also says she not a lobbyist but got a lot of pork for the Alaska state 23 million dollars worth. And the Senator from Alaska also sponsored Pallin. What a pair what a joke!

September 4, 2008 02:15 am at 2:15 am |

john b

Palin offered nothing but shrill old style partisan political attacks. I may not even bother to watch McCain tomorrow.

September 4, 2008 02:15 am at 2:15 am |

Phil

The speakers sounded very familiar to me, sounded like FOX NEWS day, noon and night. I get the point attack, get personal. The Republicans have failed America for the past eight years, they had the White House and the Congress for 6 of those years and have ruined our economy with spending for Iraq. BILLIONS every month. Frankly I work in Law Enforcement for the Federal Government and the Republicans cannot guarantee our safety no more than the Democrats. Three days so far and no one has cited an example on how they are going to make our country better, like slowing this foreclosure thing, banks going under, health care, you know real issues that we need addressed. Oh I forgot, things are just fine, the economy is strong, what a joke. I respect John McCain, but I cannot vote for him after I heard his VP spew hatred tonight. Its the "UNITED" STATES people, you can get your point across without hate. Frankly, if you want to talk experience and that Palin has it and Obama doesn't, just remember we've had a Governor running the country for the last eight years. Use your vote wisely. Solutions people, we need solutions....

September 4, 2008 02:15 am at 2:15 am |

PSK

It's very clever to use a woman as a self-confessed pit bull. They're counting on Biden not being able to throw a punch, because, while most women are liberated, ment still have to play by the chivalric code.

September 4, 2008 02:15 am at 2:15 am |

stefanie

I thought she did a good job speaking but I still don't know what her positions are on immigration, foreign policy, free trade...It scares me that people are saying they are voting for someone they don't even know. Maybe my questions will be answered during the debates because it wasn't answered tonight.

September 4, 2008 02:16 am at 2:16 am |

roger

I think the Republicans have overreacted to presumed attacks. Why is the media curious about Bristol? Well, um, you put out a press release about her and additional ones about her boyfriend coming to the convention and did a photo-op with McCain greeting them. Oh, that evil media!

It fires up the "base" but we all know what "base" means.

The GOP went for the lowest xcommon denominators. Palin's slimy attacks will play well with the less educated..and might be enough to win...but it's still slimy and despicable. Perhaps she should have instead thanked Obama for publicly declaring her children are off-limits and for his selfless community service done without the ambitious thought of being a political leader or CEO of a corporation.

September 4, 2008 02:16 am at 2:16 am |

Reality check #1

Reid is still at the sexist attacks. I guess he just can't get over the fact that Palin could deliver a speech far superior to what we have heard from Obama, Reid's little puppet. Palin is going to make a great V.P., excellent choice for McCain.

September 4, 2008 02:17 am at 2:17 am |

SV

Palin gave a GREAT speech. and so did everyone before her. She recovered herself from the nonsense that the liberal media and biased news channels said about her!

September 4, 2008 02:17 am at 2:17 am |

Bigbubba

McCain promised to run a campaign based only on the issues. Swore that he would not use attack ads. That personal attacks were what other Republicans did, not him. He wouldn't allow it. I have been watching the Republican Convention. What happened? Did John McCain lose all control of his own Party?
Obama has told his people not to attack Palin. Then Palin launches into a speech with eye rolling, Face making attacks on the Democrats.Is this a clown act? Are the Republicans going to bring out the real candidate later?
And the rest of McCains attack dogs were the only thing that made her speech seem even close to reasonable.

September 4, 2008 02:17 am at 2:17 am |

Jack

Yeah, good reply. "Shrill?" What a dummy for responding back with that. How many women are going to be pissed at that. The idiot just played into the sexist card argument without knowing it.

September 4, 2008 02:17 am at 2:17 am |

Reginald

John mcCain is truely an American Hero, but is that enough for this kind of economy that John McCain, President Bush, and the republicans has put us? I am not surprise that John McCain choosed Sarah Palin, he barely graduated from the navy academy. You do the comparison, Obama earned a B.S and a JD degree and Biden earned a dual B.S and a JD degree. What about McCain, he barely made it, and Sarah Palin earned a B.S in journalism. Talking about jugdment, I will take Obama and Biden anytime, anywhere, anyplace, all situations, anyday.

September 4, 2008 02:17 am at 2:17 am |

Andy

She was really good tonight. I bet that the polls are a bit tighter the next few days. Like her or not, I have a feeling she will be around for a long time as a GOP powehouse.

September 4, 2008 02:18 am at 2:18 am |

Joan

For you Palin fans, especially Astrid: Have you LOOKED at what Palin stands for/supports? She's FOR oil drilling in the Alaska National Wildlife Refuge; she's AGAINST a woman's right to choose; she believes global warming is not caused by humans; she's AGAINST putting polar bears on the endanged list; she's AGAINST providing health benefits to same-sex partners. If this ticket is elected, we'll see a huge setback to equal rights, civil rights, etc. Remember that the next president will most likely appoint at least one new Supreme Court justice. Wake up!!!!

September 4, 2008 02:18 am at 2:18 am |

Blacknproud

Campbell Brown...Harry Reid's "shrill" comment is sexist?@! After being slammed by someone who will be a noted as a footnote in an obscured book somewhere in Alaska. His remark is right on the mark and as a woman who takes her politics straight-up; I thought you were out of line. I have tolerated your snide Democratic denouncements; listened to all of your off-the-cuff RACIST remarks directed toward the Democratic Nominee (under the guise of course, of lack of understanding other cultures). But tonight I finally got you – a aright-wing republican who will stop at NOTHING to win, including digging deep to pull out any card necessary to play – tonight it’s the “Sexist” card. It is appalling to hear successful woman scream sexism especially when the supposed "victim" is a barracuda that slung insults then runs back to her sisterhood for protection. You should be ashamed of yourself for stooping this low and more importantly as a reporter, this was your moment to challenge her lack of veracity, certainly insulted by the lies, misrepresentations made by your unqualified candidate. You need to go to a station where insults are the rigor of the day… Leave CNN and go where you belong...FOX

September 4, 2008 02:18 am at 2:18 am |

Ian

So... Reid can't say the word 'shrill', but every Republican can wear button's that say 'Our VP is Hot' and other such sexist things? "The Hottest VP From the Coldest State"? Come on...

So if any Democrat were to repeat that Palin is the hottest vp from the coldest state, they'd be labeled a sexist, but the Republican's can wear those pins with pride.

September 4, 2008 02:18 am at 2:18 am |

Rosa

I believe that there are more community organizers in this country than city majors and Governors put together. I'll bet my house that in order for Sara Palin to win her election she had a "few" community organizers behind her. Seeing this convention has reminded me of the Nazi movement. I felt very uneasy staring at the crowd that is suppose to represent our country, but I only saw a few African Americans and even fewer Hispanics in the crowd. And the way they all spoke I don't think this country will ever be united.

One more thing. I am the wife of a retired military men who is a teacher, grandmother of six. lifetime member of the PTA, active in sports and coaching active in church and community, was an elected school board member, have traveled extensively to Europe, Jerusalem, Mexico, Greece, Turkey and all over the United States but that still does not qualify me to be V.P.

September 4, 2008 02:18 am at 2:18 am |

kirkiii

My five year old is also a good speaker but most time she is not talking about anything important. Palin what about the job market? McCain must have forgotten about that all this week. My oldest daughter plays on a local football team and I support her doing that. I remind her that if you play in a contact sport expect to get hit hard. You can't cry about being a girl or say it's about sexism if it don't go your way. Palin stop blameing the media for your short comings. You just don't have the skills to play in the this league!

September 4, 2008 02:19 am at 2:19 am |

dj in miami

This lady was absolutly horrible....the democrates made hits on factual issues. and the convention last week lifted my spirits even though i am a republican, i hated how they pushed her daughter pregnancy out in the public and wants to question the media on why they are asking the question....please...... the evil and hatful spirit she had such as refering Obama as parting the sea, and healing the land really pissed me off, its obvious that they are jelious of Obama and Biden, there wasnt any reason to make a machery of obamas stage on last thursday, i feel as if i was watching saturday night live.....

Not once have they talked about policies for the economy, i cant wait till the debats

Obama/Biden born to lead not to devide

September 4, 2008 02:19 am at 2:19 am |

mj from alabama

i was willing to give her the benefit of the doubt that she would be different but if she is just going to run on the culture war issues of the early 90's that' s too bad

September 4, 2008 02:19 am at 2:19 am |

DRK

1. McCains job is to lay out his plan for America, and convince the undecided. Phalin's was to be the pitbull with lipstick, just like biden did to the McCain/Bush/Republicans in his speech. She was very convincing in this capacity. Check

2. RNC conventions 1st job was to convince Conservative Republicans why we should unite behind McCain. Phalin is the reason we will now. 2x Check

3. Put the experince question out there from the start to show up Obama's lack thereof. Presidential canidate with the least experience of everybody in the race, including a very inexperienced gov. 3x check.

So much for McCain trying to be bi partisin....Mitt, Rudy and especially Sarah killed it tonight...all 3 were absolutely disgusting...attack seems to be all they know how to do...where is their plan to help America????

September 4, 2008 02:21 am at 2:21 am |

Obama/Biden

For people who said that Palin had more vote in her election as governer than Biden did as president, I want them to know that Biden was not on the barlot caucus past Iowa. You cannot take vote from one state and generalize the situation. I guess the same situation apply for that person when it come to his failed presidency bid as well. Biden is a long time experience senator with far more vote in all his reelection than that person who stated that comment and Palin combine. Biden is ready for the job when Palin is going to be an intern for the job.

September 4, 2008 02:22 am at 2:22 am |

Average American

Here we go again. Disrespect offered by an ignorant flip flopper, who couldn't even finish her own job at home. If John McCain were the man he claims to be, he would speak for himself instead of hiding behind a lady's skirt. John, quit hiding behind her issues and stand up and be your own man. If you want to win the election, don't rely on Sarah Palin to do it for you.

September 4, 2008 02:22 am at 2:22 am |

Jimbo Edmonton Canada

Your bar is awful low down there if that was considered a good and well delivered speech. It was pathetic and very annoying to watch and made me want to puke. Somebody must of threatened a heavy duty law suit on CNN because the entire network folks were falling all over themselves trying to heap praise on this mocking/combative telepromter read charade. She was and is pathetic Vice President candidate for any country. Wow I bet Russia's Putin is really scared of this new weapon the USA has.

September 4, 2008 02:22 am at 2:22 am |

norma okun

I am a citizen of the United States and pay taxes. I felt insulted when Mr. Mike Hucklebee said in his speech tonight at the Republican Party that he was not going to stay around to have the government come rescue him, I believe he represented himself, not America. Without the American people's taxes there would be no government. Taxes make it possible to support the war in Irac, and now the one billion dollars that President Bush is giving to Georgia.

We the people should be the same as we the goverment, and there should be respect for those unfortunate hurricane victims that suddenly had a right to receive help from a government they elect and pay taxes to. Governing idols are described in the bible: read Daniel. As a baptist he should know better.